In leadership, sometimes we create a lot of “tangles.” When we try to change things too quickly, we create “tangles.” When we try to change to many things at one time, we create “tangles.” There’s something I’ve noticed about tangles – getting them out can be painful! As I tried to comb them out, Madison said, “Ouch, Daddy!”

As you navigate leadership, beware of the “tangles.” They are easy to create but difficult and painful to get out (sometimes you have to cut them out).In my journey, “tangles” happen when -

• I talk more than I listen.
• I allow process to overshadow people.
• My work plans me instead of me planning my work (I let urgency drive me).

What causes leadership “tangles” in your life?

As we were playing it hit me: the first game of Hide-and-Seek was played in Genesis chapter 3. Things were going great in the Garden of Eden until Adam and Eve ate the fruit from the tree that God had forbidden. Then, the game of Hide-and-Seek began. Look at what the Bible says:

Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the LORD God among the trees of the garden. But the LORD God called to the man, “Where are you?” Genesis 3:8-9 (NIV)

I’m not sure about you, but at times I play the same game with God. For some reason, I actually believe that God cannot see me (or at least I hope He can’t). But, what’s amazing is that God desires for me to play Hide-and-Seek like my kiddos. Instead of running away, He wants me to jump up and say, “Here I am!”

Something may have happened that has caused you to attempt to hide from God. Try a new version of the game – jump up and shout in your heart, “Here I am!” He’ll come to you and restore your relationship with Him.

Lord, help me cultivate my kids relationship with you and keep me from manipulating it.

Honestly, it is so much easier to manipulate some times and the progress seems to be so much greater. Manipulation is like food in the microwave: you can get things so much more quickly but they often do not taste as good as a well prepared meal.

When I manipulate a situation, I can often avoid difficult conversations. Growth appears to be much faster. Life seems to get better so much more quickly. But it is all really a mirage. Manipulation is a trap that will only lead to dissatisfaction in life and relationships. So, why do we choose it?

• Cultivation takes time. When you place a seed in the ground, it does not spring up over night. Cultivating takes the right conditions that only happen over time.
• Cultivation takes commitment. You cannot just leave something you are cultivating – you must care for it regularly.
• Cultivation gets messy. When it rains to much, things rot! You make the life application.

In the lives of the people around, build a plan for cultivation. Don’t manipulate to get them where you want them or to accomplish your desires. Walk with them, and help them fulfill the desires of their heart.

What’s your tendency – cultivation or manipulation?

So, what about you? Are you working in an area that is like Friday morning Play-Doh? Do you wake up in the morning looking forward to the day ahead? Do you feel like you have been given an amazing opportunity in what you do each day? Of course everyone has a bad day, but do you LOVE what you do?

Confession: I love what I do – every day, all the time. We have so many awesome opportunities at Faith Promise that every day is like Friday morning Play-Doh. Are you working in that area that you love to get up for? If not, do whatever you can to find it! You will not regret it.

What gets you out of bed each morning?

PS – My friend Chuck Carringer, Pastor of Family Ministries at Faith Promise helped with this idea…thanks Chuck!